Friday, June 21, 2013
Sony Set To Unveil New Smartwatch, Intel Also Working On One

Sony looks like it is set to announce a new SmartWatch model next week at the Mobile Asia Expo 2013 in Shanghai. Seperately, Intel is experimenting with a on smart watch too.

Sony Mobile has tweeted a messages hinting on an upcoming smart wristwear, with words like "Wearable tech is in our DNA. Remember WALKMAN, now??" and "One in three smartphone users want smart wrist wear."

Sony is already offering a SmartWatch, which is essentially an Internet-linked wristwatch powered by Android software and operates as a companion to Android-powered smarthones; it gets online by connecting wirelessly to a wearer's Android smartphone using Bluetooth technology. The device offers personal information from a user's smartphone, screen alert notifications of key events like an incoming call, or receives Facebook and Twitter updates.

Sony also recently announced the Open SmartWatch Project for developers, where they will be able to create and flash alternative firmware to the current SmartWatch, by sharing technical details and instructions.

Wearable computers and smart watches have been in the spotlight recently, with reports that Apple, Google and Samsung are all working on products.

Sony is holding a media event in Shanghai next week where besides the Smartwatch news, it is expected to announcem the company's 6.4-inch phablet.

Regarding Intel, the information about an experimental smartwatch that has been in the works was confirmed by Justin Rattner, chief technology officer of Intel.

"Actually, we are looking at novel display devices. The watch is kind of - if you want to put the time on it, that's fine. But if you are talking about texting today, would not it be nice if you could just look at your wrist?" said Justin Rattner at Bloomberg's Next Big Thing conference, reports Venture Beat website.